Lerolle Frères No. 95 - Gilt-Bronze Rocaille Inkstand - Paris, c. 1860 - Inkwell - Bronze

Exceptional French gilt-bronze inkstand by Lerolle Frères of Paris, dating to circa 1860 and executed in the highly decorative Rocaille / Louis XV Revival style.

The piece features an exceptionally rich and sculptural design, profusely decorated with sweeping C-scrolls, volutes, acanthus leaves, shells, floral sprays and finely modelled rocaille ornament. The asymmetrical silhouette and openwork upper section give the inkstand an elegant and highly ornamental character.

At the centre is the original ink reservoir with its beautifully detailed domed cover and floral finial, surrounded by radiating shell and foliage motifs. The openwork rear section is particularly impressive, incorporating scrolling forms and floral decoration.

The underside bears the “L.L.” mark and the number “95”, associated with Lerolle Frères, the renowned Parisian bronziers known for their finely executed decorative gilt-bronze objects. Comparable Lerolle Frères inkstands are documented with the same characteristic Rocaille vocabulary and gilt-bronze construction.

The original gilding has developed an attractive aged patina, with areas of natural wear revealing the underlying bronze and adding depth and character. The intricate cast decoration remains remarkably well defined for its age.

A highly decorative and sophisticated example of 19th-century French gilt bronze, combining exceptional Rocaille ornamentation with the sought-after Lerolle Frères attribution.

Material: Gilt bronze
Maker: Lerolle Frères, Paris
Style: Rocaille / Louis XV Revival
Period: Circa 1860
Mark: “L.L.” and “95” to underside
Origin: France
Dimensions: 25 × 14 × 9 cm

The item will be carefully packaged and securely shipped with Track & Trace and insurance.